Using Dexamethasone to Improve Voice and Reduce Hypocalcemia After Thyroid Surgery

The Use of Dexamethasone in Total Thyroidectomy to Improve Voice Outcome and Hypocalcaemia

Phase 2 Interventional Tseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong · NCT05732883

This study is testing if Dexamethasone can help improve voice quality and reduce low calcium levels in people having thyroid surgery for non-cancerous conditions.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorTseung Kwan O Hospital, Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05732883 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of Dexamethasone on voice outcomes and hypocalcemia in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign conditions. It is a multi-specialty, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted at two hospitals in Hong Kong. The study standardizes surgical techniques and peri-operative protocols to minimize confounding factors. Patients' vocal cord mobility and voice quality will be assessed before and after surgery, along with monitoring calcium levels to evaluate the impact of Dexamethasone.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and above undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign thyroid conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with malignant thyroid disease, previous thyroid surgeries, or pre-existing voice issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve voice recovery and reduce the incidence of hypocalcemia in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that Dexamethasone can effectively improve voice outcomes and reduce hypocalcemia in thyroidectomy patients, suggesting a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aged 18 or above
* Patients undergoing total thyroidectomy for benign pathologies
* MNG
* Toxic nodular goitre
* Graves' disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-communicable patients
* Patients contraindicated for steroid (DM, Hepatitis carrier, Tuberculosis, peptic ulcer disease)
* Patients contraindicated for analgesics including Panadol, Celebrex, Tramadol or Levobupivacaine
* Malignant thyroid disease
* Patients with previous thyroid surgery, or neck surgery
* Pre-existing hoarseness of voice of any cause or pre-existing vocal cord palsy
* Pregnancy / Lactating female patients
* Pre-existing renal disease / autoimmune disease on steroids
* Patients who require steroid cover during operation e.g. hydrocortisone perioperatively

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Voice ChangeHypocalcemiaVoice dysfunctionHoarseness of VoiceVocal cord palsyHypoparathyroidismThyroidectomyDexamethasone
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.